They say a pet isn’t just for Christmas, but for life.

And they’re not wrong – when you buy a cat, dog, hamster, or goldfish for your child, you have a moral responsibility to make sure it remains at the peak of its physical health for as long as possible.

For many pet owners, the weight of that responsibility proves too much to bear. According to figures collected from the Dogs Trust, more than 47,500 dogs were abandoned by their owners in 2014, a figure that continues to be distressingly high to this day.

Taking proper care of your pets can be a bit of a task, but the rewards you and your family will reap are worth every moment. So to ensure your beloved critter lives the best life it can, we recommend these pet care tips.

Check for allergies

According to pet allergy specialists Avacta Animal Health, allergic diseases affect 10-30% of dogs, 10-20% of cats, and 10-50% of horses. And yet the issue of animal allergies remains under-discussed and underdiagnosed in veterinary practices.

If your pet appears to be ill for no obvious reason then an undiagnosed allergy may be the culprit.

When you take your pet for their next vet appointment, ask them about pet allergies and don’t hesitate to have them tested.

Get insured

Many pet owners don’t bother purchasing pet insurance when their pet is young and healthy – a decision they quickly come to regret as soon as their cat or dog needs an operation.

Pet insurance is an invaluable investment into the overall health of your beloved critter, and it can cost as little as £10 a month.

For that meagre price, you’ll save thousands of pounds on pet medical bills and enjoy a newfound peace of mind.

Show some love

In the hustle and bustle of a working day, it can be difficult to give your pet the love and care it deserves. But without it, they can become lonely, depressed, and exhibit an encyclopaedia’s worth of behavioural issues.

No matter the pet, every animal requires human attention, whether it’s a cat purring while it sits on your lap, a dog wagging its tail while you throw it a biscuit, or a hamster rolling around in its ball.

Know your vaccines

Your pet will require a number of vaccines from an early age to protect it from a huge array of potential diseases.

Which vaccines will be appropriate will depend on your pet, but your vet will advise you on what is and isn’t necessary.

While purchasing these vaccines may pack a punch on your wallet, it could mean the difference between a life of ailments and rude health for your pets.

Those are our pet care tips. We hope they help keep your furry pal in fine fettle.